CANEGROWERS Media Release

22 December 2011: Flood and cyclone recovery assistance extended

An extension of the deadline to apply for cyclone assistance to 30 June 2012 has been welcomed by peak group CANEGROWERS.

CANEGROWERS had been actively lobbying for an extension to give growers, who were still struggling to get back on their feet post Cyclone Yasi and flooding, more time to complete the paperwork and access the vital recovery assistance measures.

The peak group today praised the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies, Tim Mulherin’s decision to extend the deadline for flood and cyclone assistance for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations. “This move shows people in the bush, who have been belted from pillar to post by the vagaries of the weather in recent times, that the government has their back and is doing what it can to support their recovery,” says CANEGROWERS CEO, Steve Greenwood.

According to the Queensland Government, they had received over 1,200 applications for cyclone assistance in the past month alone, indicating a need to extend the assistance beyond the 31 January deadline. Mr Mulherin said in an announcement today that both Category C and D assistance under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) would be extended.

Mulherin said that so far, more than $259 million had been approved for 14,750 eligible primary producers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations across Queensland in the form of grants and loans to assist in recovery.

CANEGROWERS is urging all those affected by the disaster events, who have not yet applied, to call QRAA and begin the application process as soon as possible.


Media comment: Steve Greenwood | CANEGROWERS CEO | 0488 721 156
More information: Suzi Moore | CANEGROWERS Communications | 0427 641 239 or 07 3864 6444

• Category C assistance consists of grants up to $25,000 for eligible small business and primary producers in the effected local government areas. 
• Category D assistance includes special concessional loans of up to $650,000 for eligible businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations suffering extreme damage, with a grant component of up to $50,000. 
• To find out more about recovery grants and concessional loans contact QRAA on 1800 623 946 www.qraa.qld.gov.au